Fin's Fish Guide
The Rasptail skate (Raja velezi) is a saltwater fish of the family Rajidae that grows up to 84 cm.
Eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of California to northern Peru, including the Galapagos Islands.
Description
The rasptail skate is a true skate (Rajidae) from the eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of California to northern Peru, including the Galapagos. The species reaches about 84 cm and has a flat, diamond-shaped disc and a long tail with rows of thorns, to which the name refers. It lives benthically on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf. The diet consists of crustaceans, molluscs and small fishes. Unlike stingrays it has no venomous spine and is harmless. Skates are egg-layers and deposit their embryos in horny egg cases. The species is caught as bycatch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Rasptail skate?
The Rasptail skate has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Long tail with rows of thorns; harmless (no venomous sting); lays horny egg cases.
Where does the Rasptail skate live?
The Rasptail skate lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of California to northern Peru, including the Galapagos Islands.
How big does the Rasptail skate get?
The Rasptail skate grows to a maximum of about 84 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.
Is the Rasptail skate dangerous to humans?
No, the Rasptail skate is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Rasptail skate edible?
The Rasptail skate is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Raja
More from the family Rajidae
Want the complete picture on the Rasptail skate?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Rasptail skate is one of 12,519 species in the app.